Miami’s Gala ‘Cornerstone’ Dinner

It was an evening like no other in the history of Miami’s Lubavitch Educational Center, as over 600 guests came together last Sunday to celebrate the settlement of the school’s mortgage.

The joy could be felt throughout the beautifully decorated ballroom at Miami’s Parrot Jungle, where the community—including politicians, judges and distinguished personalities—came together to pay tribute to those who made the settlement possible.

Seven honorees—Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Cohen, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Danial, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Galbut, Mr. and Mrs. Sonny Kahn, Mr. and Mrs. Moti Korf, Mr. and Mrs. Avi Shaulson and Mr. and Mrs. Moises Tabacinic—all responded to the urgent call to ensure the school’s financial viability. As a result of their unfailing generosity, the honorees—all of whom have had a long-time association with the school—were named “Cornerstones,”
individuals who serve as the firm foundation upon which the school stands.

After a lavish buffet the guests were welcomed by Dinner Chairman Mr. Michael Bernstein and by Rabbi Mendy Katz, who served as the evening’s emcee.

A brief history of the school’s financial ups and downs, told in the spirit of a Purim Megilah, was related by Rabbi Benjy Korf, the school’s Headmaster.

The honorees were then called up by name and asked to be seated together at the front of the room. At this point, guest singer Avrohom Fried sang a song composed by Yossi Green and written especially for this event, called “Cornerstones.” A video presentation, also called “Cornerstones,” beautifully depicted the meaning of the word, as it showed footage of the Rebbe placing a cornerstone at 770.

Rabbi Abraham Korf, Regional Director of Chabad of Florida’s 158 Chabad centers, also welcomed the guests and thanked the honorees.

In addition to the Cornerstone honorees, the evening paid special tribute to three more individuals. David and Eda Schottenstein received the “Innovation Award” for their strong and unwavering support for computer technology in the classroom. Named the “Schottenstein Initiative,” the program teaches the fundamentals of computer programming in the Boys Elementary Division. Samples of the students’ work, as well as the dinner journal, could be viewed on iPads that were on every table. The Chessed Award was given to long-time supporters Motti and Miriam Levi for their steadfast commitment to the school, and Mrs. Ayelet Bortunk, who was honored with the “Employee of the Year” Award for her hard work and devotion to Lubavitch Educational Center for the past 20 years.

A beautiful Dvar Torah was given by Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, as he praised the school’s tremendous growth and spoke of the important role LEC plays in serving the large and rapidly growing Jewish population of South Florida.

The high level of excitement continued to the end of the evening, as Avrohom Fried sang to the crowd and the men danced on in celebrating the school’s success.

Lubavitch Elementary School is a part of Lubavitch Educational Center, which also includes Lubavitch Preschool and Beis Chana Middle and High School for Girls. The campus, which includes a seven-story facility, three-acre sports field and preschool playground and water park, is located at 17330 Northwest 7th Avenue, Miami, FL 33169. Under the directorship of Rabbi Benzion Korf, the school serves children from pre-nursery through 12th grade. For further information, please call (305) 653-8770.